Mal Moore retires

Alabama announces that Mal Moore is retiring as athletics director (due to health reasons) and will become a special assistant to University President Judy Bonner.

Mal Moore is stepping down as Alabama's Athletics Director, UA announced Wednesday. He will become a special assistant to University president Judy Bonner.

Moore, 73, has been in the hospital since March 11 due to ongoing pulmonary issues. He's currently at Duke University Medical Center.

"As many of you may know, due to factors related to my health, I am at a point that I can no longer fulfill my duties as athletics director in the true championship manner the position requires," Moore said in a statement. "While I have to focus on my health issue, I look forward to maintain an ongoing working relationship with this great University as special assistant to Dr. Bonner. I know I can count on each of you to continue your unequaled support for me and The University of Alabama.

"I cannot adequately express what the University means to me. It has been a part of my life for more than 50 years, and I feel honored to have served the Crimson Tide as a player, coach and administrator. I am so appreciative of the University administration, coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans who have made my tenure as director so very meaningful, memorable and special."

Moore played football for Paul "Bear" Bryant at Alabama from 1958-62 and served as a member of Bryant's coaching staff from 1964-82. Since becoming athletics director in 1999, the Crimson Tide has won eight national championships and 19 SEC titles.

"Mal Moore is Crimson Tide sports," Bonner said in a statement. "During his tenure as athletics director, out student athletes have experienced unprecedented success in every aspect of their careers at UA, on the field of play and in the classroom. His contributions to UA athletics on every level are unsurpassed. And, while he will no longer be in charge of day-to-day operations, I am so pleased that we will continue to be able to rely on his wisdom and expertise going forward."

Moore's successor will be named "as quickly as possible," according to a statement released by UA.